TNI Bureau: The annual Nageswari Jatra, held at Maa Nageswari Temple in Balda Cave under Nandapur block, is scheduled for Friday. However, Chandrachud Deo of the Jeypore royal family will not attend the event despite being invited.

The temple and the Jatra hold deep cultural significance for people of the erstwhile Jeypore State, with the tradition believed to have been initiated by the Suryavanshi rulers when Nandapur served as their capital.

According to a statement, Chandrachud Deo took the decision after discussions with officials associated with Adani Mining. The officials informed him that mining operations are being carried out under the directions of the Odisha Government, with assurances that the activities will be environmentally friendly and will not pollute water, air, or the surrounding ecosystem. They also assured that Balda Cave would not be excavated.

However, in view of the ongoing tensions between protesters and the Adani Group, the officials requested him not to visit the site. It was also conveyed that government authorities and the Koraput district administration had expressed concern over the proposed visit.

Chandrachud Deo clarified that his visit was intended only to offer prayers at the temple and greet the local people before returning to Jeypore. Despite this, he decided not to proceed with the visit.

Expressing regret, he apologized to the people of Nandapur and Balda for not being able to honor the invitation. He emphasized that his decision should not be interpreted as support for any side.

On Thursday, he shared this information through an official post on the Kingdom of Jeypore’s account on X, issuing the statement in both English and Odia. He also extended his best wishes to the people of the region and expressed hope that their constitutional rights will be respected and that a mutually agreeable resolution will be reached.